We and our partners have focused on police reform for over six years and continue to today. We have had several successes, including strengthening the Oceanside Police Department (OPD) de-escalation policy and efforts to establish a civilian oversight committee to review OPD’s investigations of civilian complaints.
We continue working to improve the oversight committee, known as the Standing Oversight Committee, by increasing its diversity, community involvement, independence, and authority. This past month we have taken a small step toward bringing more diversity and community involvement to the Standing Oversight Committee. HOORAY! I will keep you posted on this.
I am writing today because after months of research, with help and input from Brett and Kristin, we presented a series of suggestions to the Police Chief and the Community Advisory Board to make the OPD complaint process more welcoming and less intimidating. The Chief, captains, and community members were very supportive, and they accepted all our suggestions on Monday and implemented them by the following Thursday. HOORAY!
Yes, tweaking OPD’s complaint process may seem minor, but creating an ethos that welcomes complaints and takes them seriously demonstrates OPD’s commitment to transparency and tells the community, “You matter, and we want to hear from and learn from you.” This is a necessary step toward healing strained relationships between officers and the neighborhoods they serve.
Anywho, large or small, it is important to celebrate our victories, for the work of Justice Works can take years to see a result. So, I hope you will celebrate with us as together we are making a difference in our community.